Invitation Wording: Visiting Card Invitations

by Emily Post

Visiting Card Invitations

With the exception of invitations to house-parties, dinners and luncheons, the writing of notes is past. For an informal dance, musical, picnic, for a tea to meet a guest, or for bridge, a lady uses her ordinary visiting card:

To meet

Miss Millicent Gilding

Mrs. John Kindhart

Tues. Jan. 7.

Dancing at 10. o'ck.

350 Park Avenue

Wed. Jan. 8.

Bridge at 4. o'ck.

Mrs. John Kindhart

R.s.v.p.

350 Park Avenue

Answers to invitations written on visiting cards are always formally worded in the third person, precisely as though the invitation had been engraved.

In a past era, visiting cards were commonplace. Every person in polite society had a visiting card. It was very much like a business card today and served much the same purpose. A visiting card would be left with the butler or maid at a home, who would then give it to the homeowner. This in effect announced the person and served as a mini introduction. It had the person’s name and address. We often hear them referred to as calling cards (not the telephone type). Giving someone your “card” meant you wanted them to be able to get in touch with you. Much the same as a business card today, except it was very social in nature rather than business oriented.

People still use visiting cards and they serve much the same purpose; to introduce the person and leave their contact information. For that reason, in the past and today they have become an acceptable way to invite someone to an informal event. This works well because with the availability of blank printable cards the visiting or calling card is making a comeback.

In the past, they were always on white paper and engraved. Since they may well be the first impression on another person, it was important that it be very refined. Now, however many people are more playful with visiting cards and have added designs of all types. To use one as an invitation simply write the type of event and the time and date on the card. Since the card already has the host name and address or contact information nothing else is needed.
Special thanks to Emily Post on her wonderful tips on etiquette and invites.
Visiting Card Invitations